Yep. This is the result of uninformed (although uniformed) cops visiting schools for safety programs and telling the kids it is safer to ride aginst the traffic 'where they can see the cars coming and stay out of the way'. I remember it clearly.
In my efforts as a cycling instructor and advocate, I see many people who are shocked whe informed that a cyclist is a vehicle, should behave as a vehicle and has all the same rights & duties as any other vehicle on the road.
Just keep riding sanely and set a good example for the others.